My senior dog has a mass, biopsy inconclusive. Is more testing humane?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would agree that the mediastinal mass is very evident and I would also be very suspicious that it is in fact cancer even if the biopsy did not show that. Sometimes dogs appear to be comfortable even when they are in pain. These new lumps you describe could be somewhat related to this or may be unrelated. I think it would be ideal to have Yogi reevaluated to see if the mass has progressed and if the nodules in the lungs (which likely represent spread of the tumor) have also progressed. I would maintain him on pain control medications even if he does not appear to be obviously in pain. Good luck and have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The fact that these biopsies have come back inconclusive does not mean that this is not cancer. Unfortunately, this is very likely an aggressive form of cancer. After seeing these images, my main concern is that this is possibly a tumor arising from one of the ribs or sternebrae such as osteosarcoma for instance. In one of the images I see that there is likely pulmonary nodules which are most likely due to metastasis or spread of this cancer. It is hard for me to advice further without being able to look at more images or know more about the case. I would encourage you to check in again with them as another biopsy could be performed. Also, if there is truly already signs of metastasis, the treatment options and prognosis are also limited. I would mention to them the possibility of being referred to a veterinary oncologist who can look at the case with more details and advice further. I really hope they can help you and your boy!

I'm sorry Yogi has a mass! From the images you provided, it looks like he has a mass in his mediastinum that has spread into his pectoral muscles, fluid in his right lung, and nodules in the right lung. I would be suspicious that the nodles in his right lung are cancer that has spread from the medilstinal mass. Dogs can have tumors and still appear normal, and then suddenly appear sick. Without seeing him in person I can't say for certain, but these images do not suggest good news for him. I certainly understand your concern about going on holiday and him going downhill while you aren't there. Speak with your vet to get their opinion on how long he may have left. You can decide to not go on your holiday to spend time with him, or you can go on the holiday, but leave him with a trusted friend and plan to head back home right away if things look poorly for him. It's a very hard decision to make, and I'm so sorry you are in this position. First speak with his vet to get a better idea of what he is facing so that you can make a more informed decision. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Poor Yogi! This is such a tough situation. His timeline turly depends on how comfortable he continues to be and how quickly this mass grows and spreads. I would expect that he may only live for a few months since it looks like there are some nodules in the lungs and the mass currently looks pretty big already. The key is to make sure he stays on pain meds as he needs them and don't be afraid to give him the high end of his dose of meds if needed. The key is to keep him comfortable until he has a poor quality of life and at that time, you may choose humane euthanasia. I hope this helps and my thoughts are with you.

My question is does Boyboy have fluid in his abdomen? If he does my concern is if you continue to keep performing the abdominocentesis that is a lot for him. If I have a client that has a dog with fluid in their belly I will do the belly tap once and then we talk about the quality of life. If he needs it again in 3 months ok let's do it again. If he needs it again in 1 week we need to talk about how happy Boyboy is actually feeling. WIthout all the information it is difficult to guide someone with this because we want to make sure that Boyboy does have a great life all the way to the end. If you would like us to review the blood test and x-rays we can always do that if you would like to request a consultation so we can discuss further. If finances are an issue make sure you discuss this with your vet. Veterinarians are very compassionate people and we will make sure the next step is in the best interest of Boyboy and do our best to do what we can within your means. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I can explain some of these findings for you: Temperature is normal. Pulse and respiratory rate are mildly elevated for a 60lb dog but this could have been due to mild stress. MM is mucous membranes, or gums, which should be pink and moist. CRT is capillary refill time, which is a test of blood perfusion of tissues - <2 seconds is normal. EENT (ears/eyes/nose/throat) WNL (within normal limits). The muffled heart sounds could be indicative of thick fur, but can also be a sign of fluid present around the heart (called pericardial effusion). Diesel's lungs sounded normal. His abdomen palpated enlarged, and free fluid in the abdomen was suspected, which is abnormal. LN/NS (lymph nodes and nervous system) within normal limits. MS (musculoskeletal) - he was limping on his right front leg after x-rays were taken, but NSF (no significant findings) were found on palpation of the leg. He was standing with his wrist (carpus) slightly flexed. No pain in hind limbs, albeit slightly decreased range of motion (ROM). I would be most concerned about the muffled heart sounds (possibility of pericardial effusion) and abdominal fluid. It sounds like Diesel would benefit from chest x-rays and abdominal x-rays and/or abdominal ultrasound to evaluate his heart and abdominal organs, to see if there is evidence of cancer that may warrant a visit to an oncologist. I hope this is helpful!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Yogi. I am sorry to hear of his recent diagnosis. It is wonderful that he is still feeling well. I do not suspect this will be the case for long, as the mass and fluid will ultimately interfere with his ability to breathe. If treatment is not possible, it will continue to grow. I would suspect this to happen within 1-3 months. You can consider pain medication if his attitude or appetite changes. His veterinarian can prescribe something for him. In the meantime, enjoy all of your time with him.